Jeremy

Jeremy is the head trainer at 4 Paws for Ability whom you can read about here:

http://4pawsforability.org/people-behind-4-paws/

Jeremy placed an amazing dog with us that has seriously changed the course of my life.  That is another thank you.  Today's thank you has to do with our newest family member. Here she is, Stella!

When I brought John Boy home 6 years ago, my other kids were, understandably, a little jealous.  Here was this totally amazing dog that could go everywhere with us and he belonged with Sam.  Don't get me wrong.  They were both very grateful that Sam had John Boy.  John Boy allowed us to go places and do things we had never been able to do before.  If autism was our prison, John Boy was the cell block key.  After the divorce, John Boy was the reason I could take my kids on trips and that we could do more things as a complete family on those trips.  Max and Josey fully understood and have always appreciated that.  But they have also always wanted a warm fuzzy something that was more of a family pet.  I told them they could have something after John Boy was settled into family life.  Then their dad and I got divorced.

My parents are wonderful people who allowed us to move into their home while I went back to grad school.  As Wonderful as they were about it, they had a limit to the number of living things I could bring with me.  Grad school ended.  I got the kids a turtle.  They love her, but she's no dog.  I have my own home now.  I knew it was time to make good on my promise.

There is a certain percentage of dogs that fail out of any service dog program.  I knew I didn't want the responsibility of a puppy with no training and unknown temperament.  I contacted Karen to see if 4 Paws had any service dog drop outs that might be good for us.  She checked with Jeremy who suggested a rescue dog that was never in the program at all.  A twenty something college grad begged her mom for a Lhasa Apso as her college graduation present.  Mom bought her the dog.  Then the young lady took a job overseas and gave up the dog.  Mom was not interested in a playful puppy.

I took John Boy and the kids up to 4 Paws on Saturday to meet our potential dog.  The kids didn't know that was the purpose of our visit.  Stella is a little sweetie with a fantastic disposition.  She intimidated John Boy a bit, which is hysterically funny since he weighs 80 pounds and she weighs 10.  But they have worked it out.  She needs to learn a few of our house rules with regard to who can sit on the couch and who can be in Sam's bed, but she is eager to please and already well loved. 

Jeremy, thanks for making another perfect match for our family.  You truly have a gift!